Canine and Feline Testicular Preservation

The increased interest in breeding dogs and cats and their use as models for other canids and felids demand research to improve reproductive techniques. Among them, testicular cryopreservation stands out. Testicular cryopreservation enables the maintenance of reproductive capacity and allows the establishment of germplasm banks for several species of commercial value or at risk of extinction. Furthermore, it enables the transport of genetic material among different regions. It is noteworthy that this biotechnology represents the only possibility of preserving the fertility of prepubertal animals that have died, so it has great importance in the propagation of the genetic material of animals. The spermatogonia present in the testes can be cultivated in vitro and the sperm obtained can be used in artificial reproduction programs. Although advances have been achieved with the use of testicular fragments to obtain viable and functional germ cells, the establishment of protocols that can be used in clinical routine have not been concluded yet. The testicular cryopreservation process can be carried out through techniques such as slow freezing, fast freezing and vitrification. However, the protocols used for the canine and feline species are still in the experimental phase. Given the importance of the topic, the aim of this review is to draw a profile of the subject approaching the main works on testicular cryopreservation in dogs and cats.

Impact of a large dam on reproduction of a non-migratory teleost species, Acestrorhynchus lacustris (Characiformes: Acestrorhynchidae)

The release of water from the reservoir hypolimnion, lower concentration of oxygen and the anthropogenic regulation of the river flow, could affect the reproduction of fish, especially migratory species. However, little is known about the effects of these changes in water on non-migratory species. In this sense, the reproduction of Acestrohynchus lacustris was evaluated in two sections of São Francisco River, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Section 1, located immediately downstream from Três Marias Dam (18°09’31.65”S and 45°13’36.00”W) and section 2, located at the confluence of the São Francisco and the Abaeté Rivers (18°02’47.78”S and 45°10’57.95”W). For this, we obtained the physico-chemical parameters of water of each study section. Additionally, biometric data and biological indices of all specimens were measured. Fecundity and follicles diameters were measured in females. Temperature, dissolved oxygen and flow showed lower values in section 1. Fish captured in this section, had lower values of GSI in both sexes, and females presented decreased values of fecundity and follicles diameter. This species showed reproductive activity in the two sections analyzed, however, in section 1 where the temperature and dissolved oxygen presented significant lower values, the reproductive capacity of A. lacustris, was negatively affected.

Phytochemical Investigation and Reproductive Capacity of the Bulgarian Endemic Plant Species Marrubium friwaldskyanum Boiss. (Lamiaceae)

Marrubium friwaldskyanum Boiss (Lamiaceae) is a Bulgarian endemic species. Overall, the essential oil (EO) composition of M. friwaldskyanum was different from that of the other Marrubium species reported in the literature. The main EO constituents of M. friwaldskyanum were (E)-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and caryophyllene oxide. The effect of the harvest stage was significant only on α-copaene, (E)-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and τ-muurolol. The concentration of α-copaene (1.26–1.83% range of the total oil), (E)-caryophyllene (31–41%), caryophyllene oxide (6.4–11.8%), and τ-muurolol (1.3–2.8%) were the highest at 2–3 pair of leaves or before flowering and lower at flowering. The harvest stage did not significantly affect the concentrations of the other six identified EO compounds β-bourbonene (1.1%), α-humulene (2.8%), germacrene D (23.3%), bicyclogermacrene (2.85%), δ-cadinene (1.1%), and spathulenol (2.8%). In a separate experiment, grinding of the biomass prior to EO extraction had a significant effect only on the concentrations of D-limonene (0.24–3.3%) and bicyclogermacrene (3.6–9.1%). Grinding in water or without water, maceration, and addition of Tween®20 had rather small effects on the EO profile. The identified EO constituents and their mean concentrations in this experiment were (E)-caryophyllene (25.4%), germacrene D (17.6%), caryophyllene oxide (9.1%), spathulenol (6.5%), τ-muurolol (5.0%), carvacrol (3.9%), α-copaene (2.5%), β-bourbonene (2.5%), δ-cadinene (2.4%), α-humulene (1.8%), and Z-β-farnesene (1.3%). Embryological studies observed anther and the development of the male gametophyte and ovule and development of the female gametophyte of M. friwaldskyanum. Furthermore, pollen and seed viability assays were conducted, and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis of an extract from shoots revealed the presence of 45 natural products, identified as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and (tri)terpenoids. Overall, the phytochemistry and some of the microscopic analyses distinguished this endemic species from other species in Marrubium.

The Development of Phyto- and Tissue Origin Medicines for Veterinary Reproductive Issues

Modern conditions of practical veterinary medicine require the use of effective and safe drugs. Along with the already known and common medicines, the search for new drugs which are harmless for the body and have the physiological direction of action is still required. In recent years, the attention to the use of phyto- and tissue-derived drugs increased. However, the problem of their use is insufficiently studied – many aspects of their clinical use require further development, expansion of the spectrum of used medicinal plants, study, and implementation into veterinary practice. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to develop a comprehensive vitamin-hormone drugs based on phyto- and tissue medicines for the treatment and prevention of reproductive abnormalities in animals. Based on the information on the etiopathogenesis of disorders of reproductive function indicators: homeostasis, reducing of the concentration of hormones (estrogen or progesterone), changes in the morphofunctional state of endocrine (pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal gland) and reproductive (ovaries) organs, the application of vitamin-hormone drugs in veterinary medicine is scientifically sound. Drugs in terms of pathogenetic therapy can optimise homeostasis, hormone concentrations, stimulate rehabilitation processes in the regulatory organs of reproductive function (pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid) and reproductive organs (ovaries), which, in turn, contributes to the normalisation of follicles which are a prerequisite for the full reproductive capacity of females. Vitamin-hormonal medicines of herbal and tissue origin were developed, with high efficiency for the treatment and prevention of reproductive pathologies of various species of animals, providing the stimulation of reproductive function (estrus signs) for therapy of females with gonadopathies (“Carafest”, “Caplaestrol” and “Caplagonìn”) and males (display of sexual reflexes and sperm quality) for reproductive activity dysfunction (“Carafand”), increase in the viability of the newborn (increasing the number of lambs and goatlings with satisfactory clinical condition with a high-growth potential, reduce in their morbidity and lethality), preventing the incidence of ìntra- and postnatal (labor hypofunction, diseases of post-labor period) pathology (“Carafest”, and “Caplaestrol”)

Reproductive Ability of Doe-Rabbits and Growth and Preservation of the Offspring by Feeding Sulfur Compounds

The use of organic minerals in the form of nanocompounds as a substitute for mineral inorganic salts is promising, but insufficiently studied. Therefore, the purpose of the search was to determine the influence of drinking sulfur citrate and sodium sulfate 14 days before insemination and up to 20th day of lactation on the reproductive capacity of rabbits and the preservation of the offspring up to 40th day of life. The research was carried out on rabbits of the second breed of Hyla breed in “Horlytsia”. Сontrol group were fed without restriction complete ration granular feed with free access to water. 1st experimental group were fed with the ration of the control group and during the day were watered with sulfur citrate, at the rate of 8 μg S/kg of body weight. II experimental group were fed with the ration of the control group and with water was given sodium sulfate in the amount of 40 mg S/kg of body weight. Additives to rabbits were watered 14 days before insemination and for up to 20 days of lactation. It was found that on the first day of life of young rabbits their number in the I and II experimental groups was respectively higher by 8.5 and 4.2% compared to the control. The number of young rabbits at 20 and 40 days of age in the I and II experimental groups was respectively higher by 10.4 and 4.4% and 14.0 and 4.6% compared to the control group. The weight of rabbits in the nest of the II experimental group at 1, 20 and 40 days of life was respectively higher by 2.8; 6.1 and 7.0%, which is based on the average mass of one rabbit for these periods and amounted to 1.1, respectively; 2.7 and 4.3% compared with animals in the control group. The average amount of milk produced by rabbits of I and II experimental groups was respectively higher by 10.2% and 6.6% per day and for 20 days of the lactation period compared to the control. The preservation of rabbits in the I and II experimental groups was respectively higher by 6.4 and 6.4% and 3.6 and 4.4% at 20 and 40 days of life of young rabbits compared to the control group. The results of the research indicate the possibility of additional use in the ration of rabbits of the addition of sulfur citrate in the amount of 8 μg S/kg of body weight to increase metabolism and reproductive capacity during periods of increased physiological load

A retrospective study of ectopic pregnancy

Background: Ectopic pregnancy is one of the common acute abdominal emergencies posing a serious threat to life. The overall incidence of ectopic pregnancy is on a steady increase over the last two decades. Yet the case fatality rate has come down due to early diagnosis and management. 95% of ectopic pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube, and rest 5% cumulatively in the ovary, cervix, peritoneal cavity and previous caesarean section scar. The present study was done to analyse the associated risk factors, clinical manifestations and management options of ectopic pregnancy.Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study was done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Ariyur, Puducherry, between January 2018- November 2021. Data was collected from the case sheets, operative notes and a retrospective analysis of the cohort of patients with ectopic pregnancy was done.Results: This retrospective study was conducted from January 2018 to November 2021 involving a total of 50 cases. We found that majority of tubal gestation occurred in the age group 26-30 years 58.6% and 13.7% in the age group more than 30 years. Majority of patients 65.5% underwent U/L salpingectomy.10.34% underwent salpingo oophorectomy. Fimbrial expression was done for two patients. Two patients underwent fimbriectomy. Cornual stump excision was done in two patients. Hemoperitoneum was detected in 55.17% of cases.Conclusion: Ectopic gestation can become an obstetrical emergency and reproductive capacity hampering morbidity if not diagnosed and treated on time. However having a high vigilance and evaluating every woman in the reproductive age group who presents with the classical clinical triad of amenorrhea, pain abdomen and bleeding per vagina can help in curbing the incidence in future.

Boar Semen Contamination: Identification of Gram-Negative Bacteria and Antimicrobial Resistance Profile

Bacterial contamination of boar semen occurs with some frequency in artificial insemination centers and may have a negative effect on the quality of the semen as well as on the sows’ reproductive capacity. Normally, the source of bacterial contamination in pig seminal doses is the own boar. However, distilled water or laboratory equipment used to elaborate the seminal doses can be an important source of bacterial contamination. This study focused on the identification of gram-negative bacteria in boar semen, and impact on the quality of ejaculates obtained from boar, as well as on the establishment of antimicrobial resistance patterns of isolated gram-negative bacteria. Semen samples were collected from 96 boars, ranging in age from 12–36 month, from three artificial insemination centers from the North-West of Romania. Bacterial species were identified by two methods: matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and API 20 E (BioMerieux, France). The main bacteria isolated from the doses diluted semen were gram-negative bacteria (47.91%), with a majority of the contaminant bacteria belonging to the family Enterobacteriaceae: Seratia marcescens 19.56%, Proteus mirabilis 15.21% and Escherichia coli 10.86% and to the family Pseudomonaceae: Ralstonia picketii 17.39%, Burkholderia cepacia 10.86%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 8.69%, and Pseudomonas fluorescens 4.34%, respectively. More than half of these isolates (56.52%) were resistant to gentamycin and 58.69% were resistant to penicillin. These antibiotics are very frequently added in sperm diluent in the centers for the processing of sperm from boars in Romania. Regular monitoring for bacterial contamination is an important aspect of a control program.

Abnormalities in the ovaries of sockeye salmon spawners in the Kamchatka River in 2019

Based on histological analysis of the ovaries of sockeye salmon spawners in the Kamchatka River, numerous abnormalities leading to resorption are shown in the structure of vitellogenic oocytes. Fertility of mature female sockeye salmon decreases due to the resorption of the vitellogenic oocytes. Presence of ovaries with abnormal oocytes implies oocyte resorption in fish being a phenomenon associated with mechanism of natural regulation of final fertility. Such mechanism is required in view of changing fish body length and weight in the sockeye salmon of the Kamchatka River. Numerous abnormalities in the ovaries indicate of a decreasing reproductive capacity of spawners and commercial quality of the eggs.

The peculiarities of hormonal background in boars under correction of reproductive capacity by gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles

Determination of the influence of redox nanomaterials on the body of males is of great interest to researchers, because the basis of the pathogenesis of male infertility is oxidative stress. A necessary condition in the development of such drugs is the absence of toxic effects on sexual function. It has been proved that nanomaterials based on oxides of rare earth elements have a positive effect on reproductive capacity and, at the same time, they are not gonadotoxic. A comprehensive approach is of particular importance in order to justify their use as a means of reproductive capacity correction. Taking into account the toxicity parameters the mechanisms of their action need to be studied at the biochemical, morphological and clinical levels. The positive effect of gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles on the quality of boar sperm (especially in terms of motility and the number of motile sperm in the ejaculate) with an effective reduction of the oxidative load on the body have been shown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of these nanoparticles on the hormonal background of males with a decreased reproductive capacity under oxidative stress. Thus, the administration of hydrosol of gadolinium orthovanadate nanoparticles for 14 days revealed a normalization of sex hormones – an increase in total testosterone, in particular, on the 15th day of the study – by 22.6 % (P ˂ 0.01), and on the 30th day – by 77.4 % (P ˂ 0.001) compared with the group of animals before the administration. There was a decrease in the level of 17β-estradiol on the 30th day – by 25.0 % (P ˂ 0.01), which almost reached the values of the control group. A decrease in the content of globulin testosterone-estradiol-binding in boars of the experimental group, in particular, on the 15th day of the experiment – by 13.0 % (P ˂ 0.05), and on the 30th day – by 26.8 % (P ˂ 0.001) was determined, which, in turn, led to an increase in androgen saturation of the animal body – the index of free androgens at the end of the study was 43.2 %. The results are explained by the properties of the nanoparticles. Correcting oxidative stress, they increase the antioxidant potential, thereby normalizing the activity of endocrine glands and ways of regulating the germ-endocrine function of the gonads. The prospect of further research is to elucidate the effect of the correction of decreased reproductive capacity in boars under oxidative stress by nanoparticles of oxides of rare earth elements on the morphological state of the gonads.

Androgen Elevation Accelerates Reproductive Senescence in Three-Spined Stickleback

Costs of reproduction shape the life-history evolution of investment in current and future reproduction and thereby aging. Androgens have been proposed to regulate the physiology governing these investments. Furthermore, androgens are hypothesized to play a central role in carotenoid-dependent sexual signaling, regulating how much carotenoids are diverted to ornamentation and away from somatic maintenance, increasing oxidative stress, and accelerating aging. We investigated these relationships in male three-spined stickleback in which we elevated 11-ketotestosterone and supplied vitamin E, an antioxidant, in a 2 × 2 design. Androgen elevation shortened the time stickleback maintained reproductive activities. We suspect that this effect is caused by 11-ketotestosterone stimulating investment in current reproduction, but we detected no evidence for this in our measurements of reproductive effort: nest building, body composition, and breeding coloration. Carotenoid-dependent coloration was even slightly decreased by 11-ketotestosterone elevation and was left unaffected by vitamin E. Red coloration correlated with life expectancy and reproductive capacity in a quadratic manner, suggesting overinvestment of the individuals exhibiting the reddest bellies. In contrast, blue iris color showed a negative relationship with survival, suggesting physiological costs of producing this aspect of nuptial coloration. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that androgens regulate investment in current versus future reproduction, yet the precise mechanisms remain elusive. The quadratic relationships between sexual signal expression and aspects of quality have wider consequences for how we view sexual selection on ornamentation and its relationship with aging.